We’ve all done it, walked into an LYS or stumbled across a yarnie website and immediately been drawn to the color (or colors) of certain yarn. From that moment we know we have to have something made out of that yarn, but when you take it home and knit, sometimes the yarn just doesn’t seem right.

There are sock yarns, sweater yarns, shawl yarns on that wall, but all I can think about right now is that I need ALL THE COLOURS.

The sweater that sacks out, or the shawl that just won’t block. The yarn seemed so perfect in the store, and now it’s just so blah in the finished object.

The best way to avoid this sort of mess it to learn about what’s behind the color, and learn how to speak yarn. By speaking yarn, I mean to know by looking at the fiber content, the spin, the ply and the finishing, what kind of project will work best for that yarn.

Over the next couple of months, we will be taking you through some of the key characteristics of major fibers and yarns, as well as discussing Georgian Bay Fibre Co. yarns directly to figure out what each yarn is best suited to, and what you may want to consider before you buy that sweater quantity or single skein of something new.

This series has been inspired by a number of things, including a discussion of the BFL prickle on the Ravelry boards and yesterday’s announcement about the decision to discontinue Kilcoursie DK, Aran and Pengallie Fingering. By the time the new superwash base is announced in mid-May you will know exactly why it was chosen and how it fits into the Georgian Bay Fibre Co. yarn family.

First up will be a post about sheep, because if you learn about the type of sheep that your yarn is coming from, you will begin to see how different breeds bring very different qualities to their yarns.

I hope you are excited about this series, and if you have any particular questions you want to make sure we answer, please leave a note in the comments section and we will do our best to work it into the series.

To start us off, I'm going to give a little example of when choosing a yarn for color, instead of its qualities, didn't work out well for me.

If you are viewing this on a blog reader, go over to the original post to scroll through the gallery.

The Pattern

This is the photo from the Knitty pattern, Shelburne mittens by Lee Juvan. None of what follows is her fault, it was bad yarn choice on my part.

A Tale of Two Yarns

Both are gorgeous yarns, and I had a lust response to both of them, but with great yarn comes great responsibility.

Two Different Shapes

While they were the same weight, they had a very different grist and shape. You can see how the orange one is very smooth, and round, while the green on is a little flatter and fuzzy. This is an important difference, and good hint in figuring out how they can best be used.

The Dr. Seuss Mitt

Because of the fiber content, spinning style and plying, this mitten came out looking more Seussical than useful. And despite how it looks, it was knit to gauge and followed the pattern.

The Right Mitt

Well it is the left-hand one, but by using the called for yarn, I was able to make these mitts look (and fit) right. I used the same gauge and instructions as the first pair, but got something that a human would want to wear.

The Other Right Pair

So, not all was lost for that awesome orange yarn, I frogged the Dr. Seuss mitt and knitted it into a pair of tight gauge mittens, that even after 4 years shows little wear and tear. So everything was right in the world.

For the full story about those crazy mittens, you can read the post about these yarns at Lone/Maple Studio.

On the day that I decided to name this colour Fielding Goldenrod for the Fielding Bird Sanctuary here in Sudbury is the day that Lily Fielding, the philanthropist and monumental woman here in Sudbury passed away at 103. I’m honoured to share this colour with you in her memory and share her story of what she has done to protect the natural landscape here in Sudbury.

I know this is getting old but wow that texture! I just cannot get over the yarn on this Archipelago Bulky. Oh yah - this yarn has a name now.

It’s cold this morning and fall is so close to being here. I think that maybe this late summer goldenrod might be the perfect inspiration for my new brassy yellow. Any thoughts for other names?

It was so nice to leave with the first skeins on the drying rack last night!

This may look like a total mess but to me it’s the image of a dream having come true. After a couple years of putting this business on the back burner we took a big step. We moved the studio to Sudbury and rented a retail space within walking distance of our home. Today I spent the day working in the studio and my people came to visit me this afternoon. They played and read while I worked. The studio is still a mess and there are still lots of kinks to work out. But it’s happening. And because of that, guess what? You can order whatever you want, whenever you want with a two week turn around direct from the website. So many exciting things coming friends.

The texture, spin and loft on this alpaca is divine. It’s a bit fuzzier than I am used to working with but it is always so great to try something new!

It was cold and rainy this morning at Valley East Days. Was so happy that everyone fits their @disana.natur coats from last year!

Do you like alpaca? I just got a sample of some amazing alpaca yarns. I’m thinking of offering it for the shop year round. There are fingering, dk and heavy Aran/chunky options. Is this something you would be interested in?

With big brother off to school today it was Eliza’s turn to check out the studio setup. Things are getting closer to being up and running!

The studio is really coming together and my favourite thing is there a space full of light that is perfect for the kids to play and create. Today is the last day with this guy at home. Tomorrow he starts Junior Kindergarten which is full time here in Ontario. It’s nice to have a few special moments with him here on this rainy day.